Quarry Hunslet Elin returns to traffic at Richmond

RICHMOND Light Railway’s (RLR) ex-Penrhyn Hunslet 0-4-0ST Elin returned to operation at the beginning of April, the first time it had run under its own steam since 1997. It will be the star attraction for the Kent line’s August 13 Charity Steam Fair. Other RLR projects in progress include restoration of a Hudsonbuilt ex-RAF toast rack coach to its original form. The vehicle was purchased by RLR a while ago from Welsh Highland Heritage Railway where, clad in corrugated sheeting, it had formed part of the P/way train. Work at an off-site location has seen the vehicle stripped back to expose the original structure, which is being repaired along with refurbishment of the running gear. New seats will be made following original drawings. The only other original survivor of this kind of coach is at the Leighton Buzzard Railway.